Pacific Northwest - Shoutin' it out from Spokane

Hey everyone!

I moved to Spokane a few months ago and now that it's not 150 degrees outside I want to meet some people and get back into riding my bike. Since I've been here I've lost 4" of waist sizes and 2 shirt sizes, but a lot of my cycling prowess (dang that public transportation..). I'm starting a Master's degree program in Social Work at EWU in September and I'm excited to get back to school. But for now, I need a good LBS and to meet some cool bike-friendly people. Let's talk. :)

Welcome to Spokane!

When it comes to our LBS's I have two favs: Wheelsport (there's three of them in greater Spokane). The people are always friendly and helpful. No Bike Snobs. A mix of mountian, comfort, hybrid and road bikes. I always walk out happy I visited.

The other one I frequent more and more is Fitness Fanatics. They are in the valley, literally a stones throw away from the Centennial Trail, which is where I usually ride. They are much more oriented toward triathlons, ironmen, cross-country skiing and all around hardcore stuff.

Being just a carbon-fiber man (barely), I patronize the establishment because they always know what they're talking about, have great quality and selection, and they are so conveniently located (for me anyway).

If you know about this forum, you proably also know about the upcoming ride (Sept. 15 & 16). If not go to roundandround.com (immediately!!!) to find out more about the Tour de Lacs. It's a great event, and a great way to meet some of Spokane's best people. Registration costs more after September 7.

Best wishes with your studies this fall. I miss my college days, but I have no desire to go back to life without a salary! I guess that sentiment is a hazard of middle age, but cycling's a lot more fun when you don't have to just wish for the right equipment.

Anyway, thanks for your post. Hope I answered any questions.

Thanks for the welcome! Unfortunately I've already asked for the last week of September off of work so there's no way I could ask for two more days off for the ride, but it looks like it'd be fun. Maybe next year. I think I'm going to get in touch with the Spokane Bicycling Club and meet some of the people there. Thanks for the tip about Wheelsport, I'll take my bike there for its tuneup. I ride a Specialized Hardrock, I'm still a bit heavy for the road bikes... maybe next summer!

I lived in Spokane from 1981 to 83 I loved it over there. Where is the centennial trail? I lived on Grace just off Pines Road between I-90 and Trent Ave. Is it near there? I worked for Keytronic are they still in business over there?

Yes, very close. If you can remember where Walk In The Wild (zoo) used to be, they've built a park there now, with a couple of parking lots to access the Centennial Trail. I'm not sure where Grace is, but Mirabeau Parkway (a recently named street to go with the park) is just about a block South of Trent along Pines. Even though that area is probably the busiest part of the trail, I'm always amazed. It seems like the Centennial Trail is one of Spokane's best kept secrets.

There's also a really nice YMCA at Mirabeau Park, which is great for cross training, or to stop in for hot tea if you're riding on a cold day.

Wheelsport is definately the place for you. They are a Specialized dealer.

The development I live in was right across from the Walk in the Wild zoo if you are headed toward Trent Ave. Grace was on the left it was the last street before a big field then there was an elementary school. The neighborhood was call Mirabeau Ranch I was the 3rd house on the left, man too bad I don't still live there sounds like a great trail.

I'm going over to spokane next weekend for my stepsisters wedding. should be fun.

We're supposed to have beautiful weather next weekend. I started at sunrise this morning. Even though today was beautiful, it was cold at 6:30. Leaves have already started falling. Autum is really great, except for the fact that it's a reminder that summer went way to quickly.

What type of riding do you do? If you're into group rides, either road or mountain, there are numerous clubs that you could hook up with.

Welcome!

With daylight savings time upon us and the snow ebbing, the Wednesday Night Rides with Bicycle Butler (near Five Mile shopping center) should be starting up soon. It's a great way to meet a lot of other mountain bikers and learn a lot of the local trails. Everyone is welcome. Rides leave the shop as close to after the 6 pm closing time as we can get everyone assembled. Call Tim (owner) at 328-7475 for more infornmation or PM me. Hope to see you there.